MR D. R. OFFWOOD Mall — people 'not consulted’

Press, 6 November 1978, Page 24

MR D. R. OFFWOOD Mall — people 'not consulted’

The development of Merivale mall epitomises the decline of democracy in New Zealand for the Values candidate for Fendalton, Mr D. R. Offwood. Mr Offwood says the local people were not consulted. Instead the decision was made “at the top,” ignoring the sort of shopping Merivale residents wanted and needed. A former campaign organiser for the National Party, Mr Offwood left the party because it, too. was ruled from the top. He believes ideas should come from the “grass roots” and be allowed to influence decisions. Mr Offvs jod is aged and is an airline, pilot. He lives with his wife and

child on a farm in Rangiora. but stresses thai he

was bom and bred in the Fendalton electorate, and has lived most: of lite there.

He aims to displace Labour as the second vote, appealing to the “liberalminded” residents of Merivale, and to National Party supporters who, like himself, are dis-

illusioned with the decline of democracy and the erosion of civil liberties under the present Government. "This is not New Zea-

land the way we want it,” he says. He advocates a bill of rights, and sees the abortion issue as demonstrating the lack of civil rights in New Zealand. Women want the right to choose whether to have an abortion, he says, and Values would allow them this freedom —- so long as it did not affect other people. He is anxious io got

away from the "beads-and-muesli” image he feels Values has had. and is not emphasising an environmental policy. However,

he points out that the traditional economic approach of increasing the G.N.P. does not make people happy, but can in fact ruin the environment they live in. 1 ’nemplo\Tnent must be

tackied by encouraging industries that are peopleintensive, not energy-in-tensive. and workers’ must be given more ■•ay in derisions affecting their jobs through the co-operative system. Energy resources are being misused, says Mr Otfwood. “We are" living off our capital instead of our interest.” He regards the Values Party as an “ideas trust.” and does not mind if the governing party uses the policies advocaied by Values. If he does not become a member of Parliament he feels sure that the new Government will at. least, be forced to look at: his policies by the strength of his vote in the electorate.